Supply Chain Now

Join us for this week's Digital Transformers edition of The Buzz, as we celebrate Veteran's Day and dive deep into the critical theme of transforming supply chain management through innovative technology and collaboration.

In this episode, special guest Karen Betancourt, CEO of Vanguard Medical Logistics, also joins hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, to share her extensive experience in leveraging technology to streamline processes and improve efficiencies in global supply chains.

Listen in as their conversation also includes:

• The importance of focusing on the first mile of supply chain
• The significant advancements in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence
• The need for better communication, collaborative efforts, and strategic problem-solving for true transformation
• And much more

Listen in as this episode blends respect for service with a forward-looking vision for supply chain advancements, making it a must-listen for professionals aiming to innovate in a complex global environment.

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In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa are joined by Ellen Meiner, Founder and Principal of the Ellen Meiner Consulting Group, and Kerry Fogarty, Senior Vice President of Client Relations at PartnerLinQ, for an insightful conversation about current and future insights of the fashion retail industry.

The panel explores key trends shaping the fashion industry, focusing on the critical role of AI and machine learning in demand planning and forecasting. Ellen and Kerry share insights on how these technologies are being leveraged to transform data into actionable insights, driving more precise forecasting and inventory management. They also discuss the complexities of data integration, sustainability challenges, and the importance of creating a data-driven culture to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

Tune in to learn how fashion retail leaders can navigate today’s fast-paced, multichannel environment by embracing technology, optimizing supply chains, and ensuring they are prepared for future disruptions.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(06:02) Trends in fashion retail: Data complexity and multichannel integration

(08:23) The role of AI and machine learning in demand planning

(12:20) Challenges in data integration and moving beyond spreadsheets

(15:15) Trusting data: Overcoming organizational silos

(17:52) Scenario planning and navigating economic volatility

(21:30) Optimizing inventory with AI-driven forecasting

(24:45) The importance of building a data-driven culture

(29:08) Addressing scalability challenges in the fashion industry

(33:14) The role of AI in improving consumer insights and sustainability

(38:06) Practical steps for fashion retailers to embrace technology

(42:12) Collaboration across departments for better forecasting

(46:05) Final takeaways and actionable advice for fashion leaders

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In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Tandreia Bellamy are joined by Barbara Dirnberger, Principal Consultant at Sedex, and Irene Gari Chia, Consulting Solutions Manager at Sedex. Together, they discuss the pressing needs for businesses to move on and beyond compliance and emphasize the importance of nurturing the impact of supply chains on ESG, Environmental and Social Governance.

Barbara and Irene get elbow-deep in how Sedex’s expertise guides companies to assess and mitigate social risks, with a goal to foster responsible practices and leadership across global supply chains. For supply chain leaders, these challenges turned opportunities around integrating ethical sourcing, sustainable procurement, and human rights considerations into everyday operations. And the light at the end of the tunnel is that effective collaboration, real-time data sharing, and proactive risk management can empower organizations of all kinds to fulfill meaningful change.

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Join us for this week's episode of The Buzz, as we dive into the evolving landscape of supply chain management, and the critical role of AI in supply chain planning and execution, showcasing innovative use cases that promise to revolutionize the industry.

Additionally, hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr welcome special guests Dr. Stephanie Thomas, Associate Professor of Practice of Supply Chain Management and Executive Director of WISE, University of Arkansas, and Katherine Thomas, Student and President of the University of Arkansas WISE Chapter, who share insights from the recent WISE Future Leaders Symposium aimed at empowering the next generation of women in supply chain.

Listen in to gain valuable perspectives on mentorship, personal branding, and the importance of building diverse teams, and discover actionable takeaways that can help you excel in your supply chain career while contributing to a more inclusive industry.

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In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa are joined by Richie Daigle, Enterprise Account Executive at Tive, and David Shillingford, Co-founder of Everstream Analytics. Together, they discuss the critical challenges of freight security and how the ever-evolving threat landscape impacts global supply chains.

Richie and David share their expertise on the latest trends in cargo theft, the importance of building strategic technology stacks, and how digitization and IoT devices are revolutionizing freight visibility. The discussion also covers the vital role of partnerships and trust across the supply chain ecosystem and how a culture of awareness and collaboration is vital to staying ahead of opportunistic and organized cargo thieves.

Tune in to learn actionable insights on improving supply chain resilience, protecting high-value freight, and responding effectively to rising security threats with advanced technology and strategic planning.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:06) Addressing freight risks in supply chain

(06:38) Rising cargo theft and security trends

(10:41) Case study: cargo theft in Illinois

(14:18) Technology’s role in preventing cargo theft

(19:22) Digitization and its impact on freight security

(24:26) Building a strategic tech stack for security

(29:01) Enhancing visibility and quick response

(34:42) The cultural element of security awareness

(38:17) Data analytics and predictive capabilities in freight security

(40:12) Implementing standard operating procedures for security

(44:29) The importance of partnering with external experts

(48:49) Success stories and overcoming security challenges

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